Burning bush / winged euonymus
Euonymus alatus
Burning bush / winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 5–10 ft tall and 5–10 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Increasingly considered invasive in eastern US and several states have restricted sales. Not on CO's noxious list, but consider native alternatives (Cotinus, Cornus sericea, Rhus trilobata) for similar fall color. Note: fall color is often muted here due to dry late summers.
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Euonymus alatus
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Compactus', 'Rudy Haag'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 5–10 ft tall and 5–10 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10 ft apart (7 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Fall color
- Red
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.8
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- green
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- low
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Euonymus scale (can be severe)
- Crown gall
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Burning bush / winged euonymus good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Burning bush / winged euonymus is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Burning bush / winged euonymus?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Burning bush / winged euonymus get?
- It matures to about 5–10 ft tall and 5–10 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Burning bush / winged euonymus?
- Space Burning bush / winged euonymus about 10 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 7 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Burning bush / winged euonymus hardy on the Front Range?
- Burning bush / winged euonymus is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Burning bush / winged euonymus need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Burning bush / winged euonymus grow?
- Burning bush / winged euonymus is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Burning bush / winged euonymus turn in fall?
- Burning bush / winged euonymus turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Burning bush / winged euonymus safe for dogs?
- No. Burning bush / winged euonymus is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Burning bush / winged euonymus deer-resistant?
- Burning bush / winged euonymus is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Burning bush / winged euonymus prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Burning bush / winged euonymus can be affected by euonymus scale (can be severe) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
